Tag: serenity prayer

How well do you accept things – mainly change? Do you adjust quickly or do you fight it all the way? Do you embrace change or close your eyes ignoring it is happening?

Since my health issues started in 2012, it has been a roller coaster ride of acceptance. When the diagnosis of MS finally came in 2017 I realized it would be physically challenging, emotionally draining, and around-the-clock exhausting with some extremely lonely times. The truth is for those who don’t have it, you can’t understand the challenges or how it is different in each person. On the surface, I accepted things. Those closest to me saw the struggles but I was still living a kind of denial.

I had been having a run of good days – when there is no brain fog, moving okay just a little slow and making it through most of the day before I was totally drained. Then there are the days which take an extraordinary amount of effort to complete even a simple task. Try going through a day not knowing if you will be able to manage another moment of fatigue, dizziness, muscle weakness, dropping anything you get your hands on, and feeling as if you don’t have the strength to hold it together for one more second. I accepted these minor challenges too… or at least I thought I did.

When I started my journey again working through my addiction, I realized I have never really accepted my MS diagnosis. Why was accepting I’m an addict so much easier than accepting I have MS. On most days I admit to those around me the limitations I have especially with memory as a result of my MS. Acceptance, right? Then, I came across this definition of acceptance in an NA reading. “Acceptance is an opening of your heart to the realities of life and to the ways in which you have been impacted by your life choices. It means you don’t fight against the realities of your life, but accept them for what they are and use them to grow as a person and move forward in life. Accepting life on life’s terms. Accepting the things you can not change while you focus on the things you can“. The truth is, I have not truly accepted my MS diagnosis.

Last week, I was told by disability “you are not considered disabled”. One of their reasons was “you can use your arms and hands so basically go to work” and instead of getting angry, I started to wonder if they were right. Then I was told by the physical therapist, I had flunked the balance test! She said “you are a fall risk and need to have a cane with you”. SMACK! She had me pegged though, she said “you still think of yourself as an independent woman who can take care of everyone else”. It took both of these things to make be realize I was still fighting the realities of my life. I continue to fight the things I can’t change instead of focusing on the things I can change. I can’t change I’m a 62 year old woman who struggles most days with MS both physically and mentally. What I can change is the way I decide to handle things………working on eating healthier, getting sleep, getting up and moving when I feel up to it instead of just sitting around then resting when my body says it is time.

Now, your struggle with acceptance could be much different. The difficulties you face may be different from mine, but I am convinced there is someone, somewhere in the world who is going through the same overwhelming moments as you. Just because you don’t hear about them or know them personally doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Believe me, I have been there.

Whatever your challenge, it’s okay to feel like you’re falling apart. Eventually things will get better and you will find new ways of coping with all the changes happening in your life. I can guarantee it, but in the moment or in the heat of the battle it may not seem like it’s even possible. I know, I am there fighting the battle of acceptance right now – with you.

It’s okay to ask for help. I’m grateful for the rooms of NA where I can dump my stuff on the floor and walk away feeling a little less like a hot mess. Find someone you can talk with about ways to help you manage your emotional chaos. There is still hope for a better tomorrow whatever your challenge may be. I believe in you even when you don’t believe in yourself.

When all else fails, repeat the Serenity Prayer and wait for an answer. Of course waiting for an answer is not one of my strong points. Answers will always come but they may not be in a way we expect them or it may not be the answer we want….. expectations is a whole other topic. LOL.

So, just for today, focus on the things you can change. Accept life on life’s terms and count your blessings.

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I re-visited a blog I read some time ago by LYSA TERKEURST. It changed my perspective on things a few years ago, and right about now, I could use a change in perspective when it comes to my weight and view of myself. The blog was entitled “Learn to Love Your Story“. I am hoping it will chase Negative Nellie away when it comes to how I view my body and my weight. A change in perspective will help me get motivated and back on track to lose the few pounds I have gained…

Lysa talks about loving your story – your life – being content in the moment and enjoying it! WOW! Most days I do love my life but then there are those curve ball weeks. An emotional roller coaster and I am not sure why. No major fiascos, no crisis – just little hiccups which quickly send me on a road less traveled (okay so maybe it is traveled a little bit more than I want it to be). You know the journey with Negative Nelly where you struggle to see the light at the end of the rainbow?

Since starting my recover journey again, I can almost tell when I wake up, if I am going to love my story for the day. Crazy, right? Of course, I should carry a warning notice around my neck which was “STOP! NOT A GOOD DAY!”. Send out a text alert to friends and family so they know to stay away. LOL. The reality is, on those days I need to STOP, take a breathe and regroup. The Serenity Prayer and the Third Step Prayer have become my go to for getting some peace in my life. I need to then praise and thank God for my life… my story. See I forget that sometimes. My life may not be a story book or full of lots of happy endings but it is MY story. It is the life God gave me or at least he tries to keep me on the right road when I take my will back.

Memories are hard for me. But there are days when hubby and I talk about the past – reminiscing about days gone by. I have no regrets nor does he because it is because of those things we are blessed to be in each other’s lives today. We had our struggles. We had our heartache. We had our joys. Life wasn’t perfect but we got through it to get us where we are today. The struggles still come but now we try to look at the differently – together. I am grateful for the times he helps me to remember by playing a song or sharing a picture.

Lysa talked about “pre-deciding” she would LOVE her story. NOTE to self: change my point of reference BEFORE the day begins. Stop thinking about the “what if” and “predicting” what may happen in any given situation. I am learning to live in the moment thankful for being able on some days (working towards all days) to live without expectations.

I decided I would look at it all through the lens of noticing the rich evidence of life through each mess and mishap.

Did I do it all perfectly? Nope, not at all.

But even if we choose to be noticers with thankful hearts just once today, we’ll start to look at our stories in a different way.

A more beautiful way.

I remembered our key verse, Philippians 1:3, where Paul says “I thank my God every time I remember you.” I have plenty of reminders each day to thank God for the people in my life. To rejoice over every piece of my story. Starting with those shoes.

So I whispered, “Notice. Be a noticer. See all the fun represented here and thank God for these moments.”

Noticers see the lovely in front of them and learn to love their story.

What might happen if you pre-determined to look through the lens of lovely today?

Thank you Lysa for reminding me to look through the “lens of lovely” today. What are you thankful for today? Share it with us so we can all celebrate together.

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Do you know what day it is? YUP, it is HUMP DAY! For many, you are DREADING the rest of the work week. Are you already longing for the weekend? I LOVE Wednesdays (even Mondays). The truth is…. I don’t mind going to work. I am a recovering work-a-holic BUT when you LOVE what you do, it is really work? I have talked about the struggles I have over the last few months to find what I truly LOVE again. Living life on life’s terms has been a struggle and has me rethinking what it is I really LOVE to do.

I saw on a blog a checklist for figuring out if you truly LOVE what you do… so I decided to give it a shot and see what happens. Why don’t you try it with me?

First up…Never a dull day!Okay, my days have gotten a little dull. MS has caused me to struggle in doing things but on those days when I am focused…. WATCH OUT! I tend to have so many ideas going through my head, I tire myself out! LOL! The ideas are great but I just can’t seem to put them into gear. Last minute parties – of course. Last minute fundraiser – wouldn’t miss doing it. BUT now I have added the love of creating angels. The joy an angel can bring to someone as they share a story of someone who has passed is something I treasure. The creativity gets my blood flowing!

Meetings? Love them!I love leading discussions to help others grow their business. I do struggle when there are multiple conversations going on at the same time – my brain goes into overload. I feel like the teacher telling students “only person can talk at a time”. LOL! So, do I LOVE them? No, but they do get my juices flowing.

Inspiration is around the corner.Hubby said something the other night “You see the possibility of angels in everything” and it’s true. I had a friend give me some jewelry pieces to combine and make an angel for her and I’m over the moon excited. Don’t get me wrong, I still LOVE Thirty One. I LOVE being around other Thirty One consultants who are smart, confident, funny, giving and dedicated. They each inspire me in their own way to be better and to reach for the stars.

Work = part of life. You enjoy life and work. You feel alive and joyful not just at home but also at your desk. When you love your work, it’s a part of your life.

I think this says it all.

S0 much to explore! When you love your work, it’s like peeling an onion. There are always more layers to discover and explore. When you hate your work it’s also like peeling an onion – but all you find are more tears.

Are you discovering or are you shedding tears?

You hardly ever look at the clock.This is definitely me. I can get lost in my office working on my blog, crafting angels, creating ideas and planning the future. You know the saying “time flies when you are having fun” well it does for me!

So what is the result of this check list for YOU? Do you LOVE what you do or are you just working to pay the bills? Don’t get me wrong, I do the same thing – I mean, the bill collectors want their money but I enjoy all of it. I LOVE the combination of my Thirty One business and my angels. Want to know more about my Thirty One business and how it might be able to change YOUR life, just ask. Not only do you get paid BUT there are some AWESOME perks.

If you don’t LOVE what you do, maybe it is time for a change. Life is too short to wait for “it” to come so you can retire and enjoy life. Why not enjoy it NOW!

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Fearless. It’s a frequently used word. We’re told to be fearless. It is something we aim for, right? But what does it really mean? According to Webster it is to have a “lack fear”. And fear is defined as “an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat“. Is being fearless really what we want tor need in order to succeed? Many say fearlessness is a myth. The truth is if you want to succeed and have a more fulfilling life, you need to be brave – NOT fearless.

Brave and courage are synonymous…. Courage is my word for this year. Think about it…

If your heart gets broken, you become afraid to open it to the possibility of love, right? Isn’t courage which gives you the hope to love again.

When you get burned out in your career (or your business) and you dream something better is possible, isn’t it courage which empowers you to try something new.

When you’ve made poor money decisions, have credit card debt or are blindsided financially and have to start over, it takes courage to believe it’s possible, right?

Over the last month, I have had the courage to make some major changes in my life. They all actually started in some way about 8 months ago but I have had the courage to face some things head on this month. I started opening up about my past mistakes to others without fear of judgement. I am only as sick as my secrets and I don’t want to be sick anymore. I see the glimmer of hope as my creative juices start to flow again – ready to venture into doing more of my angel side hustle. I have revamped my budget and am keeping tight reins on my spending. I am willing to accept suggestions on how to run my business from those who have a more experience instead of hiding in fear. I am willing to accept and embrace my MS and the changes it has caused me to make in my life – facing the limitations with courage instead of allowing fear of what I am losing take over.

Do I still have hurdles to climb? YES! Do I still struggle with fear? YES! The inner gremlins of pride, comparison and worrying what people think play with my thoughts. Each day I gain a little bit more courage which translates into a little bit more peace in my life.

No matter what your challenges or dreams are, you will face obstacles causing doubt and fear to rise up. Those inner gremlins you thought were long buried or even gone will raise their head and feel revived when they sense even just a wisp of doubt. The difference can be every single time YOU can make the decision to choose courage. Even if your first response isn’t courage (yup, it happens sometimes), your second response can be. Over and over again, if we are going to live authentic, full lives, we must choose courage.

Today, I challenge you to repeat this simple mantra when you are struggling – :“I choose courage over fear.” Some days, I use the Serenity Prayer multiple times to keep me on track. What situation or area of your life do you need to choose courage over fear right now? Share it with us…

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For some reason this year, the holidays have me STUCK! We have all been there from time to time, right? I’m an emotional mess. There is a multitude of reasons (or maybe excuses) I could give but the truth is I am stuck and struggling to reach goals – personally, professionally and financially.

Whether it’s a relationship problem, a work challenge, a financial habit (good or bad) or a health dilemma……inevitably on the path to our goals, something gets in our way. It is weird how this has hit me during the holidays. As I reflect on the past year which was filled with LOTS of challenges and look forward to the new year, I am trying to put things in perspective.

I’m trying to get unstuck AGAIN! Yup, unfortunately it happens more than once year for me and I’m sure for others too. My focus gets pulled in a million directions. My goals start to look unobtainable. My emotions get jumbled and I am an emotional mess. I often want to blame it on the MS but the truth is, I used to get like this BEFORE the diagnosis came along. Time to take responsibility and face the fact I let everything and everyone influence me which causes me to lose my focus. I play the comparison game despite my best efforts to squash those inner gremlins. Comparison will not only steal your JOY but it will also have you wondering about “what really matters most?”.

I know, why am I rambling on about this, right? The truth is there is ONE powerful question which always helps me. When I find myself overwhelmed, distracted or bombarded with requests or life’s chaos, I stop and ask myself a simple question. It usually helps me to regain my focus and use your time better:

What really matters right now?

It sounds so simple, right? It is not as easy as it seems. This simple, but perspective-shifting question can help you to get unstuck in the most common challenges of everyday life. There are times when the noise in my head is so great, even this one question is difficult to answer. During those times I stop and repeat the Serenity Prayer. It has saved me more than once over the years when life became unglued. It helps to focus my thoughts and THEN I can ask the question of “what really matters right now?”. Staying focused in the present has actually been a blessing to me reaching my goals.

You may need to set a reminder on your phone – once an hour, twice a day or whatever works for you (or however often you need it). Get into the habit of pausing and choosing what really matters right now. When you do, you’ll find your days more productive, your stress lowered and your time used well. And in the end, you will find you have reached the goals you have set for yourself – short and long term.